Bellinghams US$2.8m port electrification grant

This funding, part of the state’s US$26 million investment from the Carbon Commitment Act, will be used to install shore power infrastructure at the Bellingham Shipping Terminal.

The electrification project will allow ships to plug into the local electrical grid, enabling them to shut down their diesel-powered engines while docked. By doing so, the port aims to significantly reduce both noise and carbon emissions, supporting cleaner, quieter operations at Bellingham Bay.

Bigger picture

This electrification initiative is a key component of the port’s broader modernisation efforts at the downtown terminal, with completion expected by 2026.

The Port of Bellingham has started a transformative two-year project to modernise its shipping terminal to meet the infrastructure needs of the modern shipping industry.

This US$27.5 million project aims to fortify the main dock to allow heavy cargo and equipment, increase the navigation depth of the terminal, install a state-of-the-art stormwater management system to protect Puget Sound and create family-wage jobs throughout the region.

In January 2024, Tacoma-based American Construction started dredging in front of the terminal.

American Construction was also the lead contractor on a successful port-led project back in 2016 to clean-up historic contamination from Bellingham Bay in what was one of the largest clean-up projects in state history. 

The new dredging work will increase the navigation depth for safe access from vessels at the main pier from 26 feet to 35 feet at mean low low water allowing for a much wider range of potential cargo including cars and offshore wind opportunities.